Saving - all the small things

Although it might feel like it, saving is not really dependant on the amount of money we earn. It is not the big things we spend money on that in reality make the dent in our pockets it is the small things. These small things that we waste money on everyday can add up to an amazing amount over time and in most cases we don’t actually get anything to show for it. Simple things such as a bottle of Lucozade or a can of coke every day add up.

Think about it

You buy a drink everyday on the way to school/college or work and a bag of crisps on the way back

£1 + £0.50

You do this every day

£1.50 x 5 = £7.50 a week

£7.50 a week on drinks and crisps, or £30 a month, or £360 a year.

Lets carry this on… You are still in the shop getting your drink and you notice that your favourite magazine’s latest issue is out.

£1.50 a week = £6 a month = £72 a year

There is no reason why you should stop reading the magazine but sign up to a discounted rate and get them delivered to your home. You save money and lose the temptation of spending more in the shop!

Try this….If you can save a couple of pounds a week, without noticing, it will soon add up. At first try putting the money you save in a jar in your room. When you get back from a work or a night out, put any spare change into this jar. Even if it is pennies – they all add up. At the end of the month put this saved money into a savings account and watch it add up - many supermarkets now have a change machine where you can turn your coppers into “proper” money.

You can also use this to dip into as your emergency fund if required for a trip away or a celebration. Just don’t forget to keep the jar topped up and you can enjoy the benefits now and in the future.